Leadership News
Allies | Media & Culture
BassPro Video Game Trade-in; 15% off to Get Kids Out
By BassPro
BassPro announces one of the most innovative strategies we've seen to date for getting kids outdoors. This week, all around the country, kids and adults will be turning in their video games for a 15% discount off fishing gear, water sports items, tents, sleeping bags and footwear.
"One of the most exciting and invigorating places to go this summer is just beyond your front door," said Larry Whiteley, Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications. "Bass Pro Shops is committed to helping adults and children across the nation put away their laptops, video games, PDAs and cell phones this summer and head outdoors.
Commentary | Media & Culture
(Tacoma) News Tribune – March 13, 2008
Novel Ideas for Funding Nature Education
By Jeffrey P. Mayor
A conversation with Richard Louv prompted a Washington State journalist to consider new ways to fund nature education. One of methods proposed by columnist Jeffery P. Mayor is earmarking a portion of the fees generated by specialty license plates for a Washington Nature Education Fund. Another proposal would provide REI members with a simple way to donate all or some of their annual dividend checks to the education fund.
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National
National Audubon Society – January 24, 2008
Richard Louv Awarded Audubon Medal
The National Audubon Society has named Richard Louv recipient of the 50th Audubon Medal. “Louv’s success in building public awareness and action to address nature-deficit disorder represents a vital contribution to both the future of our environment and the health of our children,” said Audubon President John Flicker. Past recipients include former President Jimmy Carter, author Rachel Carson, and biologist E.O. Wilson. [+]
Allies | Health
Grist – December 18, 2007
REI Chief Bemoans Overscheduled Kids
By Sarah Van Schagen
Sally Jewell, the head of outdoor-equipment retailer REI, says in a recent interview that children spend far too much of their time in front of computer or television screens. She credits Richard Louv with putting into words her concerns about young people today. The challenge, she says, is getting technology and nature to work together for their benefit.
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Commentary
Orion Online – March 01, 2007
Orion Magazine features the Children & Nature Movement
By Richard Louv
The movement to reconnect children to the natural world has arisen quickly, spontaneously, and across the usual social, political, and economic dividing lines. Read about this crucially important groundswell in the March-April 2007 issue of Orion. Then tell them what you think, and share what's happening in your school, neighborhood or town to get kids back to nature.
National
the National Wildlife Federation – May 30, 2008
New Report Aims to Save Kids from Indoor Summer
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The National Wildlife Federation recently released a report, "Connecting Today's Kids with Nature: A Policy Action Plan," which is especially timely as summer approaches. Most adult Americans associate summer vacation with the phrase "Go Outside and Play," but today's kids rarely hear those four little words. Recent research indicates that many children are actually gaining weight during the summer, a time that used to be characterized by vigorous outdoor activity. This guide outlines policy solutions for parents and policymakers, including connecting kids to nature through environmental education, advocating for better community design for natural play areas, and encouraging parents and kids to engage in a daily Green Hour.
Commentary
C&NN Mourns Tragic Loss
C&NN Board Member, John Parr, his wife Sandy Widener, and daughter Chase Parr were killed December 22 in an auto accident in Wyoming. Daughter Katy has been released from the hospital and is recovering with relatives in Idaho.
We honor his commitment to the mission and his stellar leadership and support for the grassroots, community-based work over many decades and across the nation. Our hearts and prayers go out to Katy and to their family and friends. We will always thank him and miss him terribly.
John near his cabin at Boulder Creek in 2006. Photos by Richard Louv.
Allies | Health
The Nation's Health – October 01, 2007
American Public Health Association features a front page article on the movement
By by Kim Krisberg
The October Issue of The Nation’s Health, The official newspaper of the American Public Health Association, features a front page article on the children and nature movement and the intersection between healthy people and a healthy environment.
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Allies
Associated Press – October 03, 2007
REI chief: Challenge is connecting people with nature
Speaking at the University of Montana about sustainable business, Sally Jewell, president and chief executive officer of REI, said the company's major competition doesn't come from other outdoor stores, it's with the video screen. [+]
State
THE NEWS TRIBUNE – September 20, 2007
Washington makes strides to get kids outdoors, but we can do more
By Jeffery P. Mayor
At Washington State Watchable Wildlife Conference Martin LeBlanc invites government agencies and private groups to help overcome four challenges in reconnecting children and nature: the fear parents feel for their child’s safety, overzealous zoning regulation,current school curricula, and balancing indoor and outdoor time.
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International
Canada West News Service – March 05, 2007
If kids are not going outside, who in the world is going to care about the spotted owl in 15 years?
By Katherine Dedyna
One of Eric Higgs' biggest fears is that his young son might someday get lost in a "sea of technology" rather than experience the natural world. Higgs is head of environmental studies at the University of Victoria - and he's worried something is amiss in the landscape of childhood.
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C&NN has designated April "Children & Nature Awareness Month." As part of this effort, we invited network members (like you) to list their April programs and share their strategies for building public awareness. Find out what's happening in your community on the C&NN Movement Map.
As part of our ongoing efforts to build the movement, the Children & Nature Network has published two new resources for leaders, organizers, and participants at the local, national, and international levels:
An annotated bibliography of 20 premier studies focusing on the children and nature connection.
